Bonnie Brae ES- Family Newsletter

translae

Principal

Hello, Scottie families!  

Thank you to the PTO for organizing our GLOW Dance last Friday!  The building was packed and full of glowing lights, neon, delicious food, fun music, lots of dancing, and tons of smiles!  We also enjoyed our Valentine's Day lunch this week, and we are grateful that so many of our Scottie families were able to attend.  What a great way to celebrate the Positivity Project character strength of love!

Next week on Friday, February 23, we have our February SCA Spirit Day, Dress Up/Dress Down Day!  Come dressed fancy to the "9's," or dress down in PJ's/sweats.  As always, we encourage full participation by dressing up/down, or by wearing Bonnie Brae spirit wear colors of blue and white.  

A reminder that Monday is Presidents' Day and schools are closed.  It looks like we might get some snow this evening...get out there and enjoy it!  

Enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends, Scotties!

 

Morgan Birge, Principal

Natalie Vershaw, Assistant Principal

Melissa Johnson, Assistant Principal


Family.  Relationships.  Success.


week at a glance

Next Week's Events

  • February 19 - George Washington's Birthday & Presidents' Day Holiday (no school for students and staff)
  • February 21 - PTO Meeting (In-Person), 6-7 pm
  • February 23 - BBES Spirit Day: Dress Up/Dress Down Day
  • February 23 - Parent Coffee (BBES Cafeteria), 8:40-9:15 am

Positivity Project Logo

Positivity Project

Upcoming Weekly Focus:  Humility

Character Strengths:  You do not seek the spotlight. You let your
actions speak for themselves.

Quote of the Week:  “It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is
healthy to be reminded that the strongest might
weaken and the wisest might err.”

-MAHATMA GANDHI


Scottie Feature

A few amazing highlights that happened this week...


Valentine's Day Lunch

Students, families, and staff enjoying our Valentine's Day Lunch!


Music Football

updates

Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 20. See the complete school year calendar.


February Parent Coffee

On Friday, February 23rd we will host our next parent coffee.  Bonnie Brae’s English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) team will share information that will support the learning of not just our English learners, but all students.  Please join us at 8:40 AM in the cafeteria.  

 Topics covered to include:

  • What is ESOL?
  • What is the role of the ESOL teacher?
  • What do students do when they work with an ESOL teacher?
  • How do ESOL teachers support Tier 1 practices for all students?
  • How can families support their children's learning at home?

We hope you can join us!


Read Across America Spirit Week

Read Across America

March 4-March 8, we will celebrate Read Across America Week with a Spirit Week!  Show your spirit each day and celebrate your love of reading. View the Read Across America Spirit Week flyer for more details.

Monday, March 4 - Reading Makes Life More Colorful: Wear your favorite color!

Wednesday, March 6 - Let's Get Reading: Read a book with your favorite color in the title or on the cover.

Thursday, March 7 - Hats Off to Reading: Wear your favorite hat!

Friday, March 8 - Cozy Up with a Good Book: Bring a stuffed animal and read to them (stuffed animal must fit in backpack).


Yearbook

BBES Spirit Day - Dress Up/Dress Down Day

Our next Spirit Day, Dress Up/Dress Down Day, is on Friday, February 23rd.  Come dressed to the "9's" or dress down in PJs!


Yearbook

Order Your 2023-2024 Bonnie Brae Yearbook!

Bonnie Brae yearbooks sales are on sale!  Yearbooks ordered by April 15, 2024 are $23.  Families can order a yearbook via our Yearbook page on our Bonnie Brae website (credit card only).  If families wish to purchase a yearbook via check (made at to Bonnie Brae Elementary) or money order, please see our Barksdale Yearbook flyer.  Yearbook Order flyers will be sent home in Tuesday Folders on February 6th.  All yearbook orders are due by April 15, 2024.

***We will have a limited number of yearbooks for sale on-site in June at a cost of $25 per yearbook. ***

Yearbooks are expected to arrive late-May/early June. 


Bonnie Brae Kindergarten Orientation

Kindergarten Orientation-Save the Date

Do you have a rising kindergartener?  Join us for our Bonnie Brae Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, April 2 (specific time to be determined).  Learn about kindergarten, meet our staff, tour the building, and experience a school bus.


kindergarten orientation

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in. 


Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts. 

If you are interested in sending your student to an elementary magnet school program, consider attending a school-based information night at Hunters Woods Elementary School, Bailey’s Primary Elementary School, or Bailey’s Upper Elementary School

Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and transportation.

Registration for the 2024-25 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 5, through Friday, April 12. Get more information about the schools, their programs, and locations.


Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener 

The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 -6 during February 28–March 7. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link: 

https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener  

If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Cori Lonnett, at calonnett@fcps.edu.


Ms. Cheung's Class

Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focused on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation 

At the last School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all. 

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce. 

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

  • Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students. 
  • Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
  • Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
  • Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024. 

The School Board is scheduled to adopt the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process


Help Students Achieve Their Dreams. Teach for FCPS!

Save the date! Attend FCPS’ instructional job fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register today.


Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge 

The Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 10:45 a.m., at Hayfield Secondary School. The event features a public tasting of student dishes and demonstrations from two local celebrated chefs. 

The student challenge at the heart of this event is to create healthy, delicious, and culturally diverse school menu items that meet USDA guidelines. Entries will be judged by a panel including celebrity chefs, school food professionals, and local food producers. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dish. 

Chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Chris Morgan of Joon will offer a demonstration at 11:15 a.m. Public tasting of student dishes will get underway at noon. 

Student-created dishes from this annual event have been featured on school menus throughout the Greater Washington Region. It is free to attend, but registration is required.


Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House

Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.


BBES PTO

SOS Direct Donation Campaign - LAST DAY!

Donate today on the last day of Bonnie Brae PTO's DIRECT DONATION campaign, where all dollars go directly to supporting your children's school community! Click on the link and donate today! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/341b5732-1c1b-4d0b-97d0-6bc84b98d520


PTO Meeting Next Week - IN-PERSON

For just one hour of your month, you can connect with other parents and school admin staff, learn about all the great things events and activities coming up, and hear about ways you can help make a positive impact in your child's school community! Join us for our next IN-PERSON PTO meeting!

When: Wednesday, February 21st from 6-7PM

Where: BBES Cafeteria


MOD Pizza image

Restaurant Night -- Mod Pizza!

The 6th Grade Class is having a restaurant night fundraiser at Mod Pizza on Sunday, February 18th, ALL DAY!  Please come out and support our efforts to raise money for the end of year events.  Bring the Mod Pizza flyer or order in advance using special code, MODGIVES20. We hope to see you there!


iCode Game Night

iCode Game Night - Parents Night Out - COMING SOON

Mark your calendars for our next Parents Night Out event with iCode! This is such a popular fundraiser, so make sure to register before spots run out! Drop off your kiddos and go out and enjoy your evening... they'll have access to games like Minecraft and Roblox and will be served pizza and drinks! Cost is $30/student.  View the iCode Game Night flyer.

When: Saturday, March 2nd from 6-9PM

Where: iCode in Burke 

Who: Students grades K-6


Chipotle Night

Chipotle Restaurant Night - COMING SOON

Join us for one of our best fundraisers of the year where the PTO receives 33% of sales! So help do some good for the school community AND get some delicious dinner!  View the Chipotle flyer.

When: Wednesday, March 6th from 4-8PM

Where: Chipotle on Burke Centre


upcoming events

subscribe to our calendar

Stay up to date on all things BBES! Subscribe to our School Calendar.

View the 2023-2024 FCPS School Calendar

  • February 27 - Quarter 3 Interims Sent Home
  • March 2 - iCode Game Night, 6-9 pm
  • March 5 - School Planning Day (no school for students)
  • March 6 - PTO Chipotle Restaurant Night, 4-8 pm
  • March 7 - Boosterthon Kickoff
  • March 18 - Boosterthon Fun Run
  • March 21 - Bonnie Brae Basketball Game (Robinson Gym), 6-8 pm
  • March 22 - BBES Spirt Day
  • March 22 - Parent Coffee (BBES Cafeteria), 8:40-9:15 am
  • March 25-March 29 - Spring Break (no school for students and teachers)
  • April 1 - Teacher Workday (no school for students)
  • April 2 - Kindergarten Orientation, 2-3:45 pm
  • April 2 - Staff Development Day (no school for students)
  • April 3 - Spring After-School Programs Begin
  • April 10 - Eid al Fitr (no school for students or staff)
  • April 16 - Spring Picture Day (individual and class)
  • April 17 - PTO Meeting (In-Person), 6-7 pm

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